Manager, Workforce Planning & Cost Management (Contract)

This role leads workforce planning and staff cost management, with responsibility for manpower planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cost allocation and governance. Working closely with Finance, People & Culture and business leaders, the role provides strategic insights and strengthens planning processes to support informed workforce and business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the preparation and management of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for HR, including monthly manpower planning and staff cost forecasting.

• Manage end-to-end workforce planning cycles, ensuring manpower and cost plans are aligned with overall business priorities and financial objectives.

2. Cost Management & Allocation

• Oversee and ensure effective cost allocation methodologies across Singtel entities in Singapore.

• Ensure consistency, transparency, and integrity in cost attribution, in line with financial governance principles and business requirements.

3. Reporting & Analysis

• Drive timely and accurate monthly reporting of manpower and staff costs to members of the Management Committee.

• Deliver insightful analysis on headcount trends, key cost drivers, and variances to support strategic decision-making and financial planning across the 6+6, 9+3, and AOP budgeting cycles.

4. Systems & Data Governance

• Ensure the reliability, accuracy, and integrity of manpower planning systems and data to support effective workforce planning and reporting.

• Establish and maintain robust system processes, controls, and data governance standards, ensuring consistency and compliance across planning and reporting activities.

• Oversee and manage pre-trip approval workflows and system update requests, ensuring efficient processing, appropriate controls, and timely resolution.

5. Administration & Governance

a) Corporate Business Travel & Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Governance.

• Oversee corporate travel services and BCP-related arrangements, including the management of key service providers such as International SOS for Singapore and PACE First for Australia.

• Establish and maintain governance and approval guidelines for pre-trip requests and travel-related expenses.

b) Annual Report & Group Sustainability Reporting

• Oversee the validation and consolidation of statistics for corporate reporting.

• Coordinate and consolidate MD&A reporting, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely submission.

c) HR Administration

• Manage HR admin budgets, cost allocation, variance analysis and procurement of staff-related benefits across Singtel entities in Singapore.

• Oversee administrative operations including HR assets management, personal files management and Corporate Mobile Phone budgeting and cost allocation.

6. Stakeholder Advisory & functional Leadership

• Serve as the functional lead for manpower and staff cost planning, providing subject matter expertise and advisory support to People & Culture, Finance, and key stakeholders.

• Translate workforce and cost data into actionable insights to support informed business decision-making.

• Drive continuous improvement in processes, tools and governance frameworks

7. Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead or support strategic projects and initiatives.

The ideal candidate should have/be:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Human Resources, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• At least 5–7 years of relevant experience in workforce planning, FP&A, HR planning, budgeting, forecasting, or a related field.
• Proven experience in annual operating budget planning, manpower planning, forecasting, and staff cost management within a large or complex organisation.
• Strong financial and analytical capabilities, including cost allocation, variance analysis, headcount trends, and management reporting.
• Experience with enterprise planning and reporting systems, such as Tagetik, SAP BPC, SAP, Workday, Oracle, or equivalent platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI, with the ability to analyse and translate data into actionable business insights.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with proven ability to partner with Finance, HR, and business leaders.
• Good understanding of governance, internal controls, data integrity, and operational risk management.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver within tight timelines.
• Professional certification in Finance, HR, Data Analytics, or Project Management would be an advantage.